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Chemo? We have ours at home Chemo? We have
ours at home

 
Bhupa Home Healthcare currently supports 13,000 patients in their own homes

Having chemotherapy can be a worrying and painful time for cancer patients.

And for many, travelling to hospital for treatment over a period of several months can add to the stress. But for some the treatment comes to them ... in their own home.

Jo Eldred is a chemotherapy nurse and part of the team that helps NHS and private patients receive treatment through Bupa Home Healthcare, which provides for a range of medical conditions.

Patients can relax in the comfort of their own home with the reassurance that the nurse has everything in hand, and that strict procedures are adhered to. The nurse usually carries every drug that the patient requires for treatment.

Jo said: "Driving to hospital or travelling by public transport and then returning home can add to the worry of having treatment, particularly as a patient will often have to go one day for a blood test and the next for the chemo.

But if, after discussing the options with their consultant, home care is suitable then people can have their chemo while they sit in an easy chair in the lounge, in the conservatory or wherever they are most comfortable at home.

I stay with my patients throughout the treatment, usually administered through a drip, and get to know them very well a course of chemo often includes about six sessions, three weeks apart.

I think having the same nurse for such a long time in their own home helps build up a rapport and makes them feel more comfortable about asking questions and raising any concerns.

The thought of chemo can be frightening and not everyone who can have home care wants it, some prefer to have it in hospital because they see their home as a sanctuary they return to after treatment.

But having treatment at home can make it more convenient. Many people don't realise you can have chemotherapy at home, but most of those for whom it is appropriate prefer it to going to hospital."

How Bupa Home Healthcare works
Step 1: Home treatment options are discussed by the patient and consultant.
Step 2: Consultant refers the patient to Bupa Home Healthcare and posts original prescription.
Step 3: Patient is contacted by the Bupa Home Healthcare nurse for welcome and introduction.
Step 4: Bupa Home Healthcare nurse visits the home to administer medication.
Step 5: Nurse provides detailed record of visits and reports to the consultant.

Bupa members are eligible for home healthcare, providing the treatment comes within their cover levels. Call the Helpline number in your membership guide to confirm your cover and the benefits available to you.

Publication date: July 2009

Treatment that's tailored to me

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